The United States is in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo for a minerals deal and seeks a similar agreement with Ukraine. The DRC, rich in critical minerals, is negotiating support for its government, while Ukraine’s President Zelensky delays signing pending better terms, despite previous discussions with Trump about mineral exchanges for military aid.
The United States is currently engaged in preliminary discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding an agreement to access critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, and uranium. This initiative aligns with the U.S. objective to establish a similar agreement with Ukraine. The DRC recently proposed a mutually beneficial arrangement, offering its mineral resources in exchange for support for President Felix Tshisekedi’s government amid ongoing turmoil due to rebel activity supported by Rwanda.
As negotiations progress, local officials emphasize the necessity of enhancing support for President Tshisekedi. The DRC, which contains a significant portion of the world’s critical mineral reserves, is facing serious challenges, with rebels controlling resource-rich regions. Despite the preliminary stage of talks, they have gained momentum, although several obstacles are present.
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department commented, “The DR Congo is home to a significant portion of the world’s reserves of critical minerals needed for advanced technologies. The United States is open to discussing partnerships in this sector.” The partnership is expected to bolster both economies while also countering the growing influence of China in the DRC’s mining sector.
In addition to the DRC, the United States is pursuing a minerals agreement with Ukraine, with discussions first initiated by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in February. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about signing the agreement without clear connections to investments, profits, or security guarantees. Following a contentious meeting with Trump, Zelensky signaled Ukraine’s readiness to finalize the agreement under agreeable terms, recognizing it as essential for enhancing national security.
In summary, the United States is advancing its strategy to secure critical mineral resources through potential agreements with both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine. The DRC negotiations aim to support President Tshisekedi’s government amid regional instability while also providing economic benefits. Similarly, the relationship with Ukraine remains complex, with President Zelensky asserting the need for protective measures before committing to a minerals agreement. These initiatives reflect U.S. intents to strengthen global partnerships and mitigate external influences, particularly from China.
Original Source: babel.ua
